England at war
England had a lot of problems with other countries while Queen Elizabeth was in rule. The problems that England had with other countries were basically about wealth, land, power, and religion. These three problems are evident in these threemajor wars.
The Elizabethan War with Spain from 1585 - 1603 exploded due to various conflicts surrounding the wealth and power to be gained from trade from the New World as well as the differences in Religion. The Catholics in Spain saw a war, and the conquest of England as a religious crusade. The War with Spain lasted for nineteen years.
A devastating english war on the sea
A devastating english war on the sea


The Elizabethan War with Ireland, also referred to as the Desmond Rebellions,
were caused because the Irish felt that the power, influence, and religion of Ireland was being challenged by the English. James Fitzmaurice Fitzgerald, leader of the Desmond dynasty, started a rebellion that was supported by other Irish Lords. The first rebellion started in 1569 and lasted until 1573. Hundreds of Irish rebels were executed by Drury, the new Lord President of Munster. Many Irish Lords fled to Europe to escape prosecution and the Irish crummbled. As a result of the war there was a terrible famine that broke out in Munster. The English saw this as a great victory.

The Elizabethan War against the Tyrone Rebellion, also known as the Nine Years War, lasted from 1594 – 1603. The main cause of the war was the increased power of the English who had settled in Ireland. The opposing side of the war was led by Hugh O’Neill with the help os King Philip of Spain. The English army suffered a massive defeat in Ireland at the battle of the Yellow Ford in 1598 and more Irish joined the rebellion. Although at the beginning of the war the Irish seemed to be winning they were still out numbered and the war resulted in an England victory. The Irish surrendered, on good terms, to the new English monarch just one week after the death of Queen Elizabeth. Once again the English win.
As these wars showed England had some real problems but every time could some how come over them. Whatever obstacle came their way they were able to destroy it with their advanced navy and iron clad knights.

English boat going out to war
English boat going out to war
A deadly knight fighting bravely for england.
A deadly knight fighting bravely for england.